The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-12-16

plant, and that, if the tiger oh 'rged, Should
be in situation Of very considerable danger.
Fortunately, there was not much time for
thought, for the roar of voices and of drums
csme rapidly nearer, and my Mohammedan
friend grew more eager and excited. AT last,
close on my right, and with startling sudden
ness, heard the mighty roar of al tiger. I'm
PEELED by know not what impulse, managed
to draw both triggers of my gun, and almost
simultaneously, heard two other shots fired
in rapid succession. But the proximity of
the tiger and the sound of firearms were too
much for the nerves of the elephant, or the
mahnut, or both, for the next moment found
that had dropped my gun, and was holding
ON for dear lite 10 the ropes, as the terrified
beast beneath mt plunged headlong through
the forest.
How far we went before the mahout re-
gained his control over the beast / cannot
say and it is with unbounded thankfulness
and wonder that | think, even now, of the
escapes had from the overhanging boughs
and coils OF clustering creepers through
which we forced our headlong way. AS
often happens in situations of extreme peril,
my mind was singularly clear and tranquil,
and, among other incongruous thoughts,
remembered wondering what a new Byron
would make Of the story OF an Iudian Mazep-
pa on frightened elephant. AT last, how
ever the mahout was able to guide the ami
mails movements; and after long aud
weary j0urney-very slow, because we had to
c!elr our way AS We weTd-we emerged into
tue open paddy fields. 1t was with Il sense
of iuexpressible happiness that l saw my
white tent cleaning under the dark spread
ing branches OF the banyan tree and saw my
servants awaiting my return. But was not
II little astonished when | found that they
were gathered around The body OF huge
tiger, which they said the agent had sent over
as the spOils of my gun. had heard, it was
true, Of II desperate man who had slain a
tiger at close quarters by firing charge of
small shot straight into his eyes But had
fired almost at random and II considerable
distance; and an examination of the animals
body showed that it had been killed by
lucky bullet which had pierced his heart. My
Mohammedan' friend presently appeared in
person, and loaded me with undeserved
paises of my GOODNESS and skill, and apollo
gies for the unsteadiness of his elephant. 1t
was obviously useless to tell my real reasons
for being positively certain that the magnifi-
cent beast which lay at our feet had not
fallen to my gun; but was able at last TO
persuade him that my elephant had turned
to bolt before could take correct aim, and
so to induce him, not very unwillingly, to &C.
C pit the credit of the tigers death. He insist.
ell, however, upon giving me the skin, which
lies before me as write, Renaissance of
my most exciting tiger hunt.
am older now, and trust wiser. Ger
tainlv no consideration of pride or profit
would now induce me TO go shooting tiger
with snipe shot and my only excuse for
venturing to intllct the story of very fool
hardy adventure upon you is that the tale is
strictly true, and there lies the skin to this
day to testify it. If ever go tiger shoot.
ing again it shall be with a good express rifle
in my hand, and if l ever mount an elephant
shall take care to ascertain that he can
stand fire. Chambers J0urndl